Divisions

The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) is not one single tract of land but a system of preserves that exists as a multi-agency conservation effort operating under a regional 10(a) permit issued under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFW).

The Austin area lies above one of the most productive aquifers in the country, the Edwards Aquifer. However, the aquifer is also very vulnerable to pollution that can travel through porous limestone layers from activities on the surface.

The City of Austin's Wildlands Conservation Division (WCD) manages over 40,000 acres that stretch from Hwy 150 in Hays county to the tip of northwest Travis County. Given the large number of acres, several maps are needed to fully view all the land the citizens of Austin protect.